On the Fence: Which TV Shows the Broadcast Networks Should Keep or Cancel

With ratings down on these 10 shows, is there any real reason to renew?

The upfront season means its decision time. And a perennial question broadcast networks face is what to do with a primetime series that is just not delivering—enough. The primary deciding factor used to be Nielsen ratings, but today many other considerations come to play in determining the fate of a show, including streaming viewership, social media engagement, production costs, off-network and international deals, critical acclaim and the state of the network. So, when ABC, for example, must decide on the future of “Once Upon a Time,” a show that is rapidly declining in the Nielsen ratings but holding steady in social media, a seventh season does not seem out of the question. A potential third season renewal for ABC Friday night sitcom “Dr. Ken,” however, could seem desperate given the poor quality of this half-hour.

As a benchmark, here are 10 shows under review for renewal and my take on whether the networks should pull the plug. For more, click here

Marc Berman has been writing professionally since 1999 and is the author of the “Mr. Television” for Campaign US (www.campaignlive.com). Most recently, Berman was the creator and Editor-in-Chief of website and newsletter TV Media Insights for Cross MediaWorks. From 1999-2011, he was the Senior Editor for Mediaweek and has also written for The New York Daily News, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Emmy Magazine, among others. Berman has also appeared on “Entertainment Tonight,” “Extra,” “Access Hollywood,” “Inside Edition,” “The CBS Evening News,” E!, CNN, CNBC, Fox News and MSNBC.

8 Comments

Move AMAZING RACE to CBS All Access to beef up its programming and compliment the CBS-AA version of BIG BROTHER.

BLINDSPOT, along with THE BLACKLIST and its REDEMPTION spin-off, need to go. They are pulling in some of the lowest ratings, for dramas, on the network. NBC had other programs helping, including the two-dozen CHICAGO shows. 😉

Other veteran show that should be axed, DR. KEN, FRESH OFF THE BOAT, CRIMINAL MINDS and the BYOND BORDERS spin-off, THE CATCH, ROSEWOOD, and ONCE UPON A TIME